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2014-01-06

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Background: Single access laparoscopic adrenalectomy has been reported in supine and prone patient positioning. The authors report the technique with the patient in supine position, with the umbilicus as access site, and with all adopted material as reusable.
Video: A 43-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital for symptomatic primary hyperaldosteronism. A right-side adrenal adenoma was diagnosed, and surgery was proposed. The patient was placed in a supine position with a mild semi-lateral left-sided decubitus. The technique was performed using an 11mm reusable trocar to accommodate a 10mm, 30-degree rigid and regular length scope, in addition to curved reusable instruments according to DAPRI (Karl Storz Endoskope, Tuttlingen, Germany). The right liver lobe was retracted using the 1.8mm trocarless grasping forceps according to DAPRI (Karl Storz Endoskope), inserted percutaneously under the 12th right rib. The procedure started with the adhesiolysis between the hepatic surface and right Gerota’s fascia. Then, after having identified the adrenal gland, it was dissected and the inferior adrenal arteries and veins were clipped between 5mm Hem-o-lok® clips (Teleflex Medical, Research Triangle Park, NC, US). The middle adrenal vein was clipped as well using the 5mm Hem-o-lok® ligation systems. Once the specimen was completely mobilized, a plastic bag (used for suction drain) was custom-made and introduced into the abdomen through the 11mm trocar. The specimen was removed transumbilically, and the procedure finished with the closure of the access site by absorbable figure of 8 sutures.
Results: Laparoscopic time was 98 minutes, estimated blood loss was 20cc, and the final scar length was 16mm. The patient was discharged from the hospital after 2 days.
Conclusions: Transumbilical single access laparoscopic right adrenalectomy is feasible and safe. With this technique, the cost of the procedure is not increased, the final scar length is minimal, and the working triangulation is established intrabdominally as well as externally.